Marvel’s confidence in the Russos come from the shooting of “Winter Soldier” and early test screenings, the article states, though negotiations won’t start until the film debuts. No writer is attached, but Chris Evans would return to the title role. Marvel and the Russo reps both did not comment in the Variety piece.

While there’s no known time frame for a potential third “Captain America” film, Marvel Studios does have several upcoming dates locked down for as-yet undisclosed films: May 6, 2016, July 8, 2016 and May 5, 2017. The 2016 dates could be a bit early (though there was only a two-year gap between “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2”), 2017 would be a three-year interval more typical of genre sequels.

“Winter Soldier” is the first action film directed by the Russos, who previously primarily worked on television comedies including “Arrested Development,” “Community” and “Happy Endings.” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” opens April 4.